Hampton by Hilton Hotels in Summersville

Based on the great TA reviews, we chose Hampton Inn Summersville for our overnight stop from Myrtle Beach to Niagara Falls. After a 7.5 hour drive all you want is a happy greeting and a clean nice place to rest your head before heading out the next day. We arrived at 3:10 pm to find some staff smoking at the immediate outdoor entrance which leads to the front desk (it was raining at the time and they were hovered under the entrance roofing). I approached the front desk and waited about 5-10 minutes for a front desk clerk to appear. Finally, a very irate and unfriendly woman named Stephanie appeared at the front desk, (Stephanie was one of the women outside smoking when we arrived). There was no smile, no greeting, no hello - nothing. I asked if I could check in and gave my name. Again - nothing. Stephanie began typing on her computer, assigned us room 225 and informed me that breakfast was served btw 6-10 am. She failed to give me directions to my room as well as the wifi password. The whole while, I was reading the mission statements posted for Hampton Inn regarding guaranteed friendly customer service. Having worked in the tourism industry for 20 years, I had to chuckle to myself. My unfortunate and disappointing front desk experience aside, my husband and I were extremely pleased with our stay. Our room appeared to have been recently updated - new bathroom tub, sink, fixtures, clean fresh linens on the bed, fluffy new towels, new carpeting in the hallways and rooms etc. The housekeeping staff was so friendly and cheerful. The woman working at the complimentary breakfast was happy and accommodating always asking if everything was ok, which it was. Breakfast consisted of cereals, pastries, toast, waffles, bagels, eggs, sausage, biscuits, fruit, etc. Great coffee and tea too! The room and the friendly housekeeping and breakfast staff made up for our terrible first impression when we checked in. The Hampton Inn will be our ”go to” next time we are travelling south nonetheless.